July month is associated with lovely monsoons and the famous Ratha-Yatra festival which is celebrated on a grand scale in Puri. We bring you some of the fantastic destinations which you can visit in this awesome month.
Best Picks
South Africa
South Africa, a place where strokes of culture, wildlife and landscapes paint a beautiful picture of eternal beauty. If you you have a penchant for offbeat experience, then South Africa is the place for you. The best part about South Africa is that you can orchestrate your holiday to suit the activities of your choice. From thrilling game battles, scuba diving, skydiving, hiking, mountaineering to idling on the beaches off the South African tip, South Africa is truly a destination for all. Top tourist attractions in South Africa are Table Mountain, Gold Reef City, Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, Pilanesberg Game Reserve, Highgate Ostrich Show Farm, Cango Wildlife Ranch, Mabula Game Reserve and many more. You may even take a safari, cruise on a river or try cage-diving with crocodiles.
Italy
Rome, the capital of Italy, is popular for its ancient monuments, beautiful fountains, museums and the Vatican City. Venice, the romantic city, is home to Saint Mark's Basilica - the marvellous cathedral church and stunning canals. Milan is popular for its stylish shops, artistic heritage and is home to Teatro alla Scala - the famous opera house. Naples is famous for its artistic treasures and Castel dell'Ovo - the seaside castle. Verona is a popular attraction, as it is the place where William Shakespeare set his play Romeo and Juliet and is home to Arena di Verona which houses opera performances.
Ratha-Yatra, Puri (Odisha)
Ratha-Yatra also known as Chariot Festival will begin from 18 July and is celebrated in the honour of Lord Jagannath at Puri in Odisha. It is believed that Lord Jagannath (Lord of the Universe) during this auspicious period, comes out in the open to pay visit to his devotees and participation in this festival leads one to heaven in the after-life. The popularity of this occasion has attracted tourists from all over the world and is recommended as a must -visit holy destination. During this auspicious festival, you will witness richly decorated chariots carrying Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and their sister Subhadra to their aunt's temple (Gundicha Temple), which is located at a distance of approximately two km from their temple. The deities remain there for nine days before returning back to their main temple. Enthusiast devotees are seen pulling the Lords' chariots in the huge crowd. The air is filled with spirituality and devotional songs. The experience of rich Indian rituals and the view of people rejoicing in this magnificent festival will rejuvenate your soul!
Honeymoon destinations
Austria
July is the summer time in Vienna, the capital city of Austria. To explore this beautiful place, you need to include Schönbrunn Palace, Gloriette and Neptune Fountain in your itinerary. If you want to experience the history and royal lifestyle, you must visit Schönbrunn Palace, which will transport you to that elegant era. The golden stucco, ceiling frescoes, porcelain and silver-rich dinner table is a treat to the senses. In front of the palace, you can see the beautiful palace garden with charming flower beds. If you enjoy climbing the hill, then you must try out Gloriette, which is situated in the south side of the garden on a hill. When you reach at the top, the view of the Schönbrunn Palace is breathtaking and worth the climb. You will find a coffee house in the centre, where you can indulge in some mouth-watering Viennese delicacies, while soaking in the gorgeous view. As you go further, the delightful Neptune Fountain welcomes you with cool breeze. At a podium with some rocks, you will see huge statues of the Greek mythology with Neptune, the sea good at the top - do remember to click pictures at this marvellous spot!
Darjeeling, West Bengal
Planning your honeymoon trip? Then Darjeeling in West Bengal is an ideal location to spice up your romance! Indulgence in the breathtaking tea gardens, magical pines and mind-blowing weather will surely spoil you. Visit the popular Tiger Hill with your partner, where you can capture the sweeping sight of Mount Everest and Mt. Kangchenjunga together. The magical view of the dawn at this hill will calm your senses. Learning the art of tea making at Glenburn Tea Estate is also a popular activity out here. Do pay a visit to the spiritual Buddhist Monasteries and don’t forget the famous ‘toy train’ ride!
Unique Experience
Bandipur National Park, Karnataka
Located in Chamarajanagar district of Karnataka, the Bandipur National Park, is a popular destination for the seekers of wildlife. In the olden era, this was the private hunting reserve for the Maharaja of the Mysore kingdom. This park will sweep you off your feet with its breathtaking view of the towering Western Ghat Mountains on the famous Mysore-Ooty highway. This mind-blowing forest reserve is the best example for an eco-conservation initiative by the Government of India. This park appears like a green carpet of vegetation comprising of evergreen forests and grassy woodlands. Rosewood and teak are popular out here. Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala and Nagarhole National Park in Karnataka together form India's biggest biosphere reserve, also known as the 'Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve'. In this mysterious park, you can spot wildlife which include tigers, sambhar, chital, four-horned antelope, jackal, sloth bear, panther, malabar squirrel, porcupines and the black-knapped hare. Among the birds, you can see jungle fowl and green pigeon in this park. So, do visit this place to spice up your wild spirit!
Adventure destination
Karjat, Maharashtra
Situated on the banks of Ulhas River, in Maharashtra, lies the gorgeous paradise offering its picturesque beauty - Karjat. As you step in, you will find yourself in a wonderland of panoramic natural vistas, mountains, forts, glorious ancient rock-cut cave temples and beautiful farm houses. During the monsoons, you will forget to blink, as this place looks like a green tantalizing carpet full of lush greenery and mystery. This place is popular for its adventure activities which include trekking, waterfall climbing and river rafting in the delightful Ulhas River. At the Ulhas Valley, you will be overwhelmed to see the sensational view of the emerald water flowing through the green valley. Chanderi Fort Trek and Peth Fort Trek are among the acclaimed trekking trails, for you to try out. When in Karjat, you must visit Bhor Ghat , which is renowned for its dense woods. If you are an appreciator of brilliant artistry, then visit the Kondana Caves - a home to 16 remarkable Buddhist caves. These caves with its impressive sculptures, chaitya, vihara and stupa will take you to a bygone era. Apart from being an adventure spot, this place is also a favourite, when it comes to the film industry. The Oscar winning movie ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ was shot in Karjat. To sum it up, plan your next monsoon trip to this marvellous place and experience the magic yourself!
Events / Festivals
- Singapore Food Festival (July 10, 2015 - July 19, 2015)
For the foodies, here is a great opportunity to celebrate and feed your fire! An initiative by the Singapore Tourism Board, this food fiesta treats you with an alluring variety of delicious cuisines from across the globe. The popular attraction is the signature plates prepared by the country’s best chefs. You will be tempted by the large number of stalls catering to every tastes. Black pepper crabs and chilly crabs are among the tantalizing delights. Be there to indulge in the authentic and traditional delicacies while you wander in the happening streets.
- Mud Festival - Boryeong, South Korea (17 July, 2015 - 26 July, 2015)
The Boryeong Mud Festival is an annual festival which is celebrated during the summers in South Korea. During this festival, the mud is picked from the Boryeong mud flats and trucked to the Daecheon beach, which is further used as the centrepiece of the 'Mud Experience Land’.
- Jagannath Rathyatra - 18 July, 2015
Jagannath Rathyatra also known as Chariot Festival is celebrated in the honour of Lord Jagannath at Puri in Odisha.
- Ramadan (18 June, 2015 - 18 July, 2015)
Ramadan is celebration of the pious month, wherein Muslims across the globe, fast from dawn until sunset. After sunset, the food streets are bustling with an array of mouth-watering delicacies and tantalising aroma. For more information on the places which offer some of the amazing Ramadan cuisines, please visit Ramadan Food Special
- Eid al-Fitr - 18 July, 2015
Eid al-Fitr is celebrated as the last day of Ramadan - the holy month of dawn-to-sunset fasting.
- Tomorrowland Festival (Boom, Belgium) - 24 July, 2015 to 26 July, 2015
Tomorrowland is a popular electronic music festival which is celebrated in Boom, Beligum every year.
- International Tiger Day (29 July 2015)
International Tiger Day is an annual celebration which aims to raise awareness for tiger conservation.